Liam Llewellyn has thrown support behind Jacques O’Neill after the contestant quit the show. The rugby player told Welsh paramedic Paige Thorne, who he is coupled up with, that he would be heading home during the episode that aired on Tuesday, July 12.
Prior to the show, a spokesperson for Love Island confirmed Jacques had decided to leave the villa. The statement read: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the villa.
"He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight's episode. We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what's next for Jacques."
Read more: Love Island Paige Thorne's friends speak out on Welsh star's decision after Jacques quits
Speaking to his fellow contestants about his decision to leave, after having a heart-to-heart with Paige, Jacques explained: "So I feel like lately, I just can't be myself so I'm trying my best but I'm not a fake person and I'm not gonna start faking things and act like I'm, okay when things inside are not okay, so I'm gonna be leaving today."
He continued: "I just can't stick around and not be myself, it's not fair to me and it's not fair to Paige. For me and Paige to work I need to be at my best and if that means removing myself from the situation and waiting for Paige when she gets out, that's what I'm gonna do, so I'm gonna be leaving now."
Jacques was flooded with support from viewers, including former contestant Liam. The student, who hails from Newport, also quit the 2022 series.
Following the emotional episode that saw Jacques leave, Liam took to Instagram to share a supportive and important message. He wrote: "Tough watch tonight. even tougher not feeling yourself in that environment.
"It's definitely not an easy decision to make but credit to @jacques9oneill_ get back to yourself."
Liam, 22, left the villa in the first week, he told his his fellow contestants at the time: "Obviously we all came here for the same sort of reason, but I haven't been giving 100 per cent Liam. I know what 100 per cent Liam is and I'm miles off that.
"Trying to find someone you leave the villa with that you love, that's the goal. But when you're not feeling that, it makes it a very hard sort of time to find that. I've been thinking long and hard, it isn't spur of the moment, so I've made a decision I'm going to leave the villa." Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
